The 7 Weirdest “What If…?” Marvel Stories

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Stepping into the vast realm of the Marvel Multiverse as a cinephile, I’ve come to appreciate that anything and everything could happen here. The slightest alterations can redefine the narratives we love, leading to captivating or disastrous results. This very concept is brilliantly brought to life in the hit Marvel series ‘What If…?’, an anthology that transports viewers on a cosmic odyssey across the Multiverse. Each episode is a standalone tale, delving deep into a specific universe. These stories can be emotionally gripping, action-packed, or even absurdly funny. Some reimagine the lives of familiar characters, while others craft entirely new alternate histories. Ultimately, ‘What If…?’ serves as a fascinating experiment by its creators to test the boundaries of Marvel lore.

Since its introduction in 1977, the story arcs of What If…? have delved into some of the peculiar and fantastical alternate Earths within the Marvel Comics Universe.

7) What if Thanos Joined the Avengers?

In a surprising twist, it’s suggested that Thanos, who was infamous for eliminating half the universe’s life, should be the last person one would expect to join the ranks of the Avengers. Yet, in this narrative, Thanos proposes joining forces with Earth’s mightiest heroes to combat an alien race called the Builders, whose intent was to annihilate the universe. Despite Captain America’s suspicion about the villain’s sudden change of heart, some other members such as Captain Marvel and Thor were receptive to the idea of Thanos joining their team. Unfortunately, it transpired that Thanos had infiltrated the Avengers with the intention of reaching his son, Thane. Thanos aimed to eliminate Thane as part of a sinister scheme to win Lady Death’s affections. Despite Captain America’s efforts to thwart Thanos, he was ultimately overpowered and killed, along with Thane. Thanos then announced Captain America’s heroic demise to the remaining Avengers, who unfortunately accepted his account as truth. Now armed with Captain America’s shield as a symbol of victory, Thanos took control as the new leader of the Avengers.

6) What if Sgt. Fury Fought World War Two in Outer Space?

In a world where Leonardo da Vinci’s innovations propelled technological progress by as early as 1903, mankind had long evolved into a space-exploring civilization. By the 1940s, World War II transformed into an interstellar conflict between mankind and the malevolent reptilian extraterrestrials known as the Betans. Triggered by the alien attack on Space Station Pearl, mankind declared war against the Betans. The protagonist Nick Fury and his team, the Howling Commandoes, stepped into the fray, battling aliens and robots. One of the Howling Commandoes, Gabe Jones, discharged lasers through a cutting-edge trumpet. This tale blends elements from science fiction and war narratives in an extraordinary fashion.

5) What if Dazzler Had Become the Herald of Galactus?

In an unusual twist, a pop star with the ability to create dazzling light displays might seem unsuitable as a Herald for Galactus, the Cosmic Devourer of Worlds. Yet, in this tale, that’s exactly who steps up – Alison Blaire, also known as Dazzler. Against all odds, Alison pleaded with Galactus to spare Earth and instead offered herself as his new Herald. To her surprise, Galactus accepted and granted her the Power Cosmic. This empowered Alison to ensure that only lifeless planets were consumed by Galactus, which ultimately led him to appreciate life more. However, when a hostile alien fleet gravely wounded Alison, Galactus retaliated with deadly force, annihilating the entire armada. Freeing her from her duties, Galactus released Alison, but upon returning home, she found Earth transformed into an apocalyptic wasteland. With no other option, Alison was forced to return to the side of Galactus.

4) What if Aunt May Had Been Bitten by That Radioactive Spider?

In an alternate universe known as the primary 616, a radioactive spider bit young Peter Parker, turning him into the renowned superhero, the Amazing Spider-Man. But here’s where things get interesting: On this particular day, Peter left his lunch at home. His Aunt May, being the caring soul she is, decided to attend Peter’s school trip at a laboratory. During her visit, Aunt May was bitten by the radioactive spider and gained spider-like abilities. Instead of web-shooters, she crafted a costume for herself and used sewing thread to navigate the city and sticky dough from baking to capture criminals, thus becoming the unconventional superhero known as Spider Ma’am!

What sets this story apart in the “What If…?” comic series is that Spider Ma’am doesn’t make just one appearance. In fact, she has returned on multiple occasions in recent issues, teaming up with various Spider-beings from other universes to battle evil together.

3) What if the Spider Had Been Bitten by a Radioactive Human?

In this humorous and comic book-inspired narrative, we follow the life of Webster Weaver, who was an ordinary teenage spider until he encountered a scientist exposed to radiation, resulting in a bite that granted him human-like strength. Adopting a costume, he transforms into Man-Spider! Much like Peter Parker from Earth-616 continuity, Webster initially employs his powers for personal gain and wealth. However, remorseful after his self-centeredness hindered him from stopping the mugger who killed his uncle, Bug Weaver, he decides to use his abilities for heroism instead. Man-Spider has a collection of zany supervillains such as the Green Gobbler, King-Pig, Marvin the Hunter, and Weevil McEvil. However, Raze, the Bug-Spray Baron – a sentient bug-spray can who speaks and is his deadliest enemy – poses the greatest threat! Given his playful visual style and rogues’ gallery, it seems Man-Spider could form friendships with Spider-Ham, another spider character from a cartoon universe.

2) What if the Original Marvel Bullpen Had Become the Fantastic Four?

1977 saw the Marvel Comics team penning an outrageous yarn about the Fantastic Four, their future First Family. An enigmatic parcel filled with cosmic power materialized at Marvel Comics headquarters, affecting everyone present. The Chief Editor, Stan Lee, was transformed into the elastic hero Mr. Fantastic; his secretary, Flo Steinberg, gained invisibility and became Invisible Girl; Marvel’s vice-president, Sol Brodsky, ignited as the Human Torch; while artist Jack Kirby hardened into the Thing. With their newfound abilities and superhero personas, the Marvel staff engaged in epic battles against the malevolent Skrulls, foiling their attempt to conquer Earth. This far-fetched adventure serves as a testament to the Marvel team’s enjoyment of crafting imaginative stories brought on by the creative liberty offered by the What If…? series.

1) What if No One Was Watching the Watcher?

In issue #34 of “What If…?”, each page presents a peculiar and illogical tale from different corners of the Marvel Universe. The cover is nothing short of bewildering, showing the all-powerful Watcher replicating Marilyn Monroe’s iconic scene from the 1955 film, “The Seven Year Itch.” From that point onward, things only grow more peculiar. In “What if Wolverine Hibernated?”, the ferocious X-Man is seen napping in a doghouse amidst winter while cuddling a teddy bear. The brief “What if You Were Spider-Man?” humorously addresses the age-old curiosity of fans, suggesting that all supervillains would promptly eliminate you – it’s common sense! In “What if the Punisher was a Stern, Yet Fatherly Type?!” we see the lethal antihero disciplining villains such as Electro, Doctor Doom, and even Galactus by punishing them with groundings and forcing them to sit in a corner. These are merely a few examples of the numerous unconventional comic strips found within this surreal issue.

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2025-08-26 19:13